6 Crucial Things That You Have To Do Immediately After A Car Crash
While the time immediately after a car crash can be frustrating, scary, and feel overwhelming, there are certain steps to follow that will make sure to cover you in the event of an accident. Especially if you have been injured, nothing can be more intimidating than trying to remember exactly what to do, but taking these steps can protect you in the future. Here are 6 simple and easy steps to remember after a personal injury like being involved in a car crash.
1. Report the Accident to Authorities
This is incredibly important, as having an official record of the accident will assist you in what comes after an accident. In fact, there are certain areas where you cannot even have your car repaired without a damage sticker from the police, to confirm the accident was reported. While this normally comes with a caveat of $1000 damage or more, it is still important. Many insurance companies will also require a police report to move ahead with any claims or litigation.
It is also important to ensure the proper authorities, such as first aiders, are making sure all the people involved in the accident are taken care of immediately, and otherwise serious injuries can be caught on time to treat, such as internal bleeding or possible damage to the neck or spine.
While some people will refuse this step, it can only benefit to make sure everyone involved in the accident is seen and treated, as well as spoken to and investigated, by the appropriate parties.
2. Take Photos and DO NOT Move your Vehicle
Making sure that you capture photos properly to document the accident scene is imperative, especially if there will be an investigation into the accident to determine an at-fault party.
While you may want to immediately move your vehicle, thinking it is the polite thing to do for other motorists, this can come back to haunt you if your accident results in serious injuries or court appearances.
By photographing the scene as it is, investigators can have a clearer understanding of what caused the accident, how and why. This can protect you from litigation, or enforce a suit if you choose to bring one forward. Having detailed photos of the accident can be a game-changer, especially if the other party is not a scrupulous person.
3. Exchange Information with Other Driver
It is important to have the name, contact number, and insurance information of the other party involved in the collision. It is also beneficial to exchange insurance company and policy information, to have complete records to file a claim and police report.
If there is a driver who does not want to provide this information or may want to flee the scene, then get as much information as possible regarding the other vehicle, such as plate number, make, model, and color of the car, as well as what recognizable damage it may have.
4. Take and Witness Information
If there are any witnesses to your accident, it is important to get their names and contact information, both for your insurance company and for the police. Witnesses can often verify specific details of the accidents that can assist you, especially if you are planning on calling a car accident lawyer. If you have any plans to file a claim for your damages, then ensuring you have as much information as possible is imperative, and witness testimony can clarify multiple concerns any insurance company, police officer, or lawyer may have.
5. Seek Medical Attention
One of the steps often missed when it comes to car crashes is that people don’t see their doctors right away. While you may be feeling fine, any type of impact is trauma on the body, and it is important to see a doctor to get looked at to ensure you don’t have injuries, such as whiplash or spinal injuries.
Making sure you see your doctor within 24 hours of your accident will ensure you are taking the best care of yourself, as well as setting up documentation should you suffer from any serious injuries as a result of the accident.
6. Relax and Breath, Call a Lawyer if you Need Advocacy and Help
Especially in the case of a serious accident with injury, it can be important to seek legal advice for your situation. If you are injured during an accident through no fault of your own, you will be entitled to help along your road to recovery. Use the resources that are available to you to protect yourself and your family who will be affected by the accident.
No matter the situation, it is important to take a few breaths and approach your situation with calmness and clarity. While accidents are very frustrating, not handling them appropriately can lead to greater hardships and problems. By following these steps you can lessen your frustration in the event of a car crash.
